Optimus Signature V2 CPU Block

[VSG]

Alongside the Optimus Foundation CPU block, we saw it fit to also cover the company's flagship Signature CPU block. In its second version, the Signature V2 for Intel CPU sockets features to good effect a thick unibody brass top and mounting bracket, as well as the cooling engine and other features of their Foundation block.

Show full review

 

[dgianstefani]

Well, as has been demonstrated so many times before, if you're the best, you can charge what you like.

 

[lorry]

I believe that it is on the AMD side that many of the temp drops are being seen, due to a bowed coldplate to better match the IHS with lapping, also it covers all of the chiplets from what I understand.

 

[Dammeron]

Well, old XSPC Raystorm still the best. Not gonna change it for anything else...

 

[VSG]

I believe that it is on the AMD side that many of the temp drops are being seen, due to a bowed coldplate to better match the IHS with lapping, also it covers all of the chiplets from what I understand.

Of course the effect will be different not only for a higher heat output (Intel or AMD HEDT) but also a more optimized design for the chiplets used with Ryzen. Given that it makes little financial sense to buy a second test rig when the vast majority of the audience is barely getting to 8 cores, I was not able to test it at this time.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Had high hopes and still do after modifying a signature demo copper cold plate block to reduce it's bow some more because it did not fit the 9940x very well at all when setting the chip on it

Used it as is of course but was worse than the foundation that mounts way easier by the way
I wasn't going to over tighten the sig demo just to see if it would flatten out/ damage mother board pins lol as mostly read crank it down.... which it's easily said but tough to cover damage from doing so !

So I'll test it again soon I ran out of thermal paste finally after messing with heatkiller 4 pro and the optimus foundation my favorite plexi/ copper in my ghetto rig

 

[gamefoo21]

As one of those few that reviewed the V1, I'm really excited to see so much fixed and updated from it.

They really do listen.

I'm just waiting on the border to do it's thing and I'll be posting a review of the V2 vs V1. Same system and all those nine yards.

I am hoping the new mounting system, works with the V1, because curiousity.

Supposed to also be getting an AMD Foundation block, to test on a toasty AM4 setup.

I still love how my V1 feels in my hand. Even if it's a finger print monster. LoL

I agree completely these blocks are like design and engineering pron. They are what happens when you go after performance and quality.

I don't think it was mentioned, but they do suggest going with the copper cold plate for maximum performance, and nickel plated when you want to use liquid metal TIM.

I'm just glad they survived past the V1.

Note: I have talked to Wizz, and once my review is done, I will be posting it on TPU for everyone here. I hope my review is even half as good.

As a side...

My V1 is so flat I use it with special film for pressure testing IHS flatness.

If anyone cares, I can order some new pressure film and do the pressure tests. AM4 has such a big spreader, it's not cheap.

 

[VSG]

Note: I have talked to Wizz, and once my review is done, I will be posting it on TPU for everyone here. I hope my review is even half as good.

Awesome, let me know if I can help in any way in your testing this on the AM4 platform

 

[ntuason]

I've been on the fence for almost 2 months on which to get, Sig V2 or Heatkiller IV Pro. Sig V2 seems like it'll need a strong pump though.

 

[gamefoo21]

Hi,
Had high hopes and still do after modifying a signature demo copper cold plate block to reduce it's bow some more because it did not fit the 9940x very well at all when setting the chip on it

Used it as is of course but was worse than the foundation that mounts way easier by the way
I wasn't going to over tighten the sig demo just to see if it would flatten out/ damage mother board pins lol as mostly read crank it down.... which it's easily said but tough to cover damage from doing so !

So I'll test it again soon I ran out of thermal paste finally after messing with heatkiller 4 pro and the optimus foundation my favorite plexi/ copper in my ghetto rig

I know they tried to build in a bit of bow to match the stock IHS. Though I suspect it's because of the changes in Intel IHS making hitting those matches very difficult.

I'm really curious how tight you can get it.

1151 Intel spec has a cooler mounting pressure spec of 0-32(or 35)psi, while 2066 specs 70-80psi with a max of 110psi. My V1 tested at 85-90PSI according to the pressure film.

Awesome, let me know if I can help in any way in your testing this on the AM4 platform

Can I drop you a PM?

I've been on the fence for almost 2 months on which to get, Sig V2 or Heatkiller IV Pro. Sig V2 seems like it'll need a strong pump though.

I have my V1 running through 480(external enclosure mounted with 4ft of hose) + 360 of rads, QDCs, full cover GPU block, VRM block, chipset block, a filter, etc etc.

I can run it on a single MCP50X easily, and I run a pair between 25%(110-120lph) and 40% temperature controlled. Those pumps running full out flow 220-240lph.

A single D5 should easily run this block.

 

[VSG]

Can I drop you a PM?

Haha I see you already did, replied to your PM.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Just a FYI @VSG
Since the center o-ring has permanent cooling fin impressions on it, this means you tightened the block too much causing them

Those marks clearly show you completely flatted the bow out of the cold plate and it raised up in the center causing higher core temps and more restriction too seeing the o-ring goes past the top of the cooling fins narrowing water path that much more.

 

[Optimus Water Cooling]

Hey guys! I'm here to answer any questions

THRASHZONE: Interesting thoughts Though I believe your results are definitely atypical. In all our tests across many CPUs, the Sig definitely has the advantage.

I also really, really think your testing can benefit with even tighter temp controls. A 2C ambient difference will throw off your results like crazy. That's why we go nuts with our testing methods internally. Otherwise, what might seem like a small temp change will compound with liquid temps, etc.

For the o-rings, you'll see the shape of the jet platform in the cold plate itself and that it makes contact everywhere. In actuality, the o-ring gives very little performance one way or another, regardless of position. The metals forming the bows are vastly stronger.

And we've tested o-rings and placements and all that and it really has nearly zero impact on performance. You can try taking out the center o-ring, performance will change slightly depending on certain factors, but again this is really into the weeds stuff.

What you're chasing here is the idea of contact. Which is one part cold plate, one part IHS. We can't account for the IHS. And your testing definitely is into the stages of tweaking the block to match your unique IHS perfectly, which is awesome though won't work for everyone.

Which brings me to...

OVERALL PERFORMANCE: VSG's test shows a good difference between the blocks with a very light overclock. When builders start going for bigger overclocks and with CPUs that run even hotter -- like HEDTs CPUs and AMD's models -- the benefits of our high surface area fin design become more pronounced.

SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE: When pushing the hot chips at high overclocks, the Signature can perform around a 2C improvement (again, results will vary).

 

[ThrashZone]

I know they tried to build in a bit of bow to match the stock IHS. Though I suspect it's because of the changes in Intel IHS making hitting those matches very difficult.

I'm really curious how tight you can get it.

Spoiler: Rest of reply

1151 Intel spec has a cooler mounting pressure spec of 0-32(or 35)psi, while 2066 specs 70-80psi with a max of 110psi. My V1 tested at 85-90PSI according to the pressure film.



Can I drop you a PM?





I have my V1 running through 480(external enclosure mounted with 4ft of hose) + 360 of rads, QDCs, full cover GPU block, VRM block, chipset block, a filter, etc etc.

I can run it on a single MCP50X easily, and I run a pair between 25%(110-120lph) and 40% temperature controlled. Those pumps running full out flow 220-240lph.

A single D5 should easily run this block.

Hi,
A lot better than before
Hair better than the foundation 4c better than heatkiller 4 pro copper/ plexi

4.8 pretty much the same as the foundation is was right after leak testing though
The foundation was two weeks cure time on thermal paste nt-h1

 

[gamefoo21]

Hi,
A lot better than before
Hair better than the foundation 4c better than heatkiller 4 pro copper/ plexi

4.8 pretty much the same as the foundation is was right after leak testing though
The foundation was two weeks cure time on thermal paste nt-h1

View attachment 145592

Is the lapped picture before or after?

Pretty good results to be honest.

Did you lap the IHS?

 

[ThrashZone]

Is the lapped picture before or after?

Pretty good results to be honest.

Did you lap the IHS?

Hi,
After I did use some 400 grit to smooth that out as well and no I did not lap the 9940x just the signature demo block
Did a quickie lap job on the outside too I like that pretty brass

Before the lap on the inside temps were terrible just did not fit my chip very well is all the foundation was doing much better

Optimus Foundation CPU Block (Intel)

Perhaps the most requested CPU water block review in years, we finally take a look at Optimus Water Cooling's Foundation CPU block. With a near-rabid user base touting praises galore, we put it to the test to see if the hype and asking price is justified. Show full review

www.techpowerup.com

 

[gamefoo21]

Hi,
After I did use some 400 grit to smooth that out as well and no I did not lap the 9940x just the signature demo block
Did a quickie lap job on the outside too I like that pretty brass

Before the lap on the inside temps were terrible just did not fit my chip very well is all the foundation was doing much better

Optimus Foundation CPU Block (Intel)

Perhaps the most requested CPU water block review in years, we finally take a look at Optimus Water Cooling's Foundation CPU block. With a near-rabid user base touting praises galore, we put it to the test to see if the hype and asking price is justified. Show full review

www.techpowerup.com

View attachment 145610

It's risky business lapping a waterblock but...

I'd lap the IHS, to at least 800/1000 grit, if you are hunting for the best flat to flat surface mount. It may net you several more degrees of cooling. Not a huge difference, but it's one of those things.

The stock IHS is ok... But it's got low areas.

My 7700K was better than a 4790, but it still had a BP shape of contact patch. I think getting a flat top to the 9940X will get you some decent gains.

Awesome looking build by the way.

 

[Optimus Water Cooling]

For random people reading this thread, please do not lap your Optimus block The stock method provides excellent contact and you'll possibly sand through the copper and expose the water channels, resulting in zero fun.

 

[ThrashZone]

100% lap the Optimus and the CPU to at least 800 grit. I'm a lapping snob, and I hate myself if I don't hit at least 2000grit, and I've done the diamond paste. So shiny...

But 800/1000 grit is fine.

The stock IHS is ok... But it's got low areas.

My 7700K was better than a 4790, but it still had a BP shape of contact patch. I think getting a flat top to the 9940X will get you some decent gains.

Awesome looking build by the way.

Hi,
Yes did use wet 1000 grit which was oddly hard enough to find
But to be clear the copper cold plate was not lapped only the inside which causes the bow on the cold plate.

Thanks it's a cozy ghetto rig x99 is the same except it has a heatkiller 4 pro copper/ plexi on it still

I've got the heatkiller 4 pro back on using it's default mounting hardware and goofy mount since it's also done better goofy mount
I never did 4.6-4.7-4.8 on it to show how it's temps scale
Only the foundation and signature

@SVG
Did asus realbench at 4.9 and 1.3v I doubt I could ever do this on heatkiller 4 pro just 4.6 is kicking it's rearend sadly

 

[gamefoo21]

For random people reading this thread, please do not lap your Optimus block The stock method provides excellent contact and you'll possibly sand through the copper and expose the water channels, resulting in zero fun.

Thank you for posting that. I should have mentioned that, I was only specifically talking to ThrashZone.

I do not recommend lapping any waterblock without thoroughly understanding the risks, material thicknesses, and the risks. The risk of negatively impacting the performance let alone compromising the structural integrity if you get too aggressive.

Hi,
Yes did use wet 1000 grit which was oddly hard enough to find
But to be clear the copper cold plate was not lapped only the inside which causes the bow on the cold plate.

Thanks it's a cozy ghetto rig x99 is the same except it has a heatkiller 4 pro copper/ plexi on it still

I've got the heatkiller 4 pro back on using it's default mounting hardware and goofy mount since it's also done better goofy mount
I never did 4.6-4.7-4.8 on it to show how it's temps scale
Only the foundation and signature

@SVG
Did asus realbench at 4.9 and 1.3v I doubt I could ever do this on heatkiller 4 pro just 4.6 is kicking it's rearend sadly
View attachment 145729

That's some impressive gains over the HK4p.

Ahh, so you shaved off thickness from the top of the cold plate.

I do suspect if you wanted to lap the IHS, you'd likely see a few more degrees of performance. Not the end of the world, and 4.9 all core is really impressive.

How much radiator and fan are you throwing at it? Do you know what the coolant temps are?

 

[ThrashZone]

Spoiler

Thank you for posting that. I should have mentioned that, I was only specifically talking to ThrashZone.

I do not recommend lapping any waterblock without thoroughly understanding the risks, material thicknesses, and the risks. The risk of negatively impacting the performance let alone compromising the structural integrity if you get too aggressive.

That's some impressive gains over the HK4p.

Ahh, so you shaved off thickness from the top of the cold plate.

I do suspect if you wanted to lap the IHS, you'd likely see a few more degrees of performance. Not the end of the world, and 4.9 all core is really impressive.

How much radiator and fan are you throwing at it? Do you know what the coolant temps are?

Hi,
System spec's shows arrangement of loop just 2-280 GTX rads
Water temp is 32.5c on max throughout testing
Ambient around 76f degrees

I do have the HK 4 pro in now just rotated the blocks same as the optimus
Pretty much HK 4 pro suggested rotation anyway just to keep things the same.

Sadly I seriously doubt HK 4 pro can do these high clocks the temp spread between coldest and hottest cores gets way over 10c that either of the optimus blocks stays within 10c
So these are some serious multicore overclocking water blocks not small core blocks

This is why either of this sites reviews of foundation or signature just does not give these blocks any justice besides build quality !

The lapping well that is the reason I didn't smooth out where I lapped it's on the body of the block not the copper cold plate.

Lapped area with scratches I guess I didn't post it
Yeah I did the scratches are seen on this image I uploaded :doh:

https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/attachments/heatkiller-signature-lapped-4-5-sig-wins-by-4c-mounts-png.145592/

 

[gamefoo21]

Hi,
System spec's shows arrangement of loop just 2-280 GTX rads
Water temp is 32.5c on max throughout testing
Ambient around 76f degrees

I do have the HK 4 pro in now just rotated the blocks same as the optimus
Pretty much HK 4 pro suggested rotation anyway just to keep things the same.

Sadly I seriously doubt HK 4 pro can do these high clocks the temp spread between coldest and hottest cores gets way over 10c that either of the optimus blocks stays within 10c
So these are some serious multicore overclocking water blocks not small core blocks

This is why either of this sites reviews of foundation or signature just does not give these blocks any justice besides build quality !

The lapping well that is the reason I didn't smooth out where I lapped it's on the body of the block not the copper cold plate.

Oh you lapped the top... That makes the most sense.

I'm on mobile right now, and unless I go digging into your user profile, I don't see a system specs. I apologize.

I love me some Nemesis GTX/GTS rads. I was going to say dual 280s is impressive for temps, but then I remembered that the GTX rads are basically like having a dual 280 in the first place.

I will agree with you, the Optimus blocks are just good.

My first mount of the V1 provided some wild temp results. My 7700K at 5.0 with 0 AVX offset, would bounce between 55'C loaded and the high 80s.

The 5Ghz preset in the bios would power limit throttle all the way to 180W set in the bios.

Toasty toasty.

Will be interesting to see your results.

 

[ThrashZone]

Oh you lapped the top... That makes the most sense.

I'm on mobile right now, and unless I go digging into your user profile, I don't see a system specs. I apologize.

I love me some Nemesis GTX/GTS rads. I was going to say dual 280s is impressive for temps, but then I remembered that the GTX rads are basically like having a dual 280 in the first place.

I will agree with you, the Optimus blocks are just good.

My first mount of the V1 provided some wild temp results. My 7700K at 5.0 with 0 AVX offset, would bounce between 55'C loaded and the high 80s.

The 5Ghz preset in the bios would power limit throttle all the way to 180W set in the bios.

Toasty toasty.

Will be interesting to see your results.

Hi,
My system spec's link is under my avatar
I don't do much at all on mobile

Just now on 4.5 HK is showing 14c core temp spread 74-88c ambient isn't quite right yet.

 

[gamefoo21]

Hi,
My system spec's link is under my avatar
I don't do much at all on mobile

Just now on 4.5 HK is showing 14c core temp spread 74-88c ambient isn't quite right yet.

On mobile if I click on your user name all I get are...

A link to your profile.
Your score.
Two buttons to either follow or ignore.

Just so you know.

I'm thinking that spread is possibly due to the inconsistency in the in the IHS to cold plate surface mating.

A reason for IHS lapping appears. Though it means the stock and modified V2 seem to exceed the 4 Pro with a stock IHS on the big Intel side of life.

With my V1 and 7700K, I swapped in a CNC replacement IHS, and the temps lowered and actually stabilized.

 

[Mr. Fox]

I am very pleased with my Signature V2 block. It dropped my temps a few °C. It is built like a brick house and looks fantastic. It replaced a Raystorm Pro that has done a really great job for me up to this point, but with my overclocking hobby, every degree matters. I am running it bare die on my 7980XE and it doesn't require as much fiddling with the fit to avoid contact interference with the die frame. I don't like how much it cost, but it was worth the extra money in every way as far as I am concerned. The Pro XE nickel finish makes the liquid metal cleanup effortless compared to copper. I love the springless mounting. I highly recommend it. You can call me a fanboy... you'd be right. Better is better by all measurements.